Metal carports are an investment. While less expensive than garages, metal carports aren’t exactly cheap. In other words, you want your metal carport to last for years and possibly decades.
With the right care, your metal carport can last for years. However, metal carports also require some care, and this includes keeping the structure rust-fee. Removing rust from metal carports effectively doesn’t have to be a tedious chore and you can even take steps to help keep the problem from recurring.
To help keep your car looking its best, here are some tips on how to ensure your metal carport is around for years to come.
Creating a Maintenance Schedule
You can just create a list but this isn’t always the most effective way of creating a maintenance schedule. Some tasks are better suited for a specific time of year. A better method is to divide the tasks by season—this way it’s easier to ensure you’re not skipping over a maintenance step.
Spring
Guess what, your carport is something else to add to your spring cleaning list. Yes, it’s the last thing you probably want to do but it’s an important part of maintenance.
Move your vehicle out of the carport and drag out anything else you may have stored. You’re going to give the carport’s interior a thorough cleaning. Sweep up any leaves and other debris and wipe away any cobwebs. Now it’s time to get a little wet. You’re going to wash the floor and rinse off any walls. The carport doesn’t need to be sparkling clean, but it should look better compared to when you started.
Let everything dry before moving everything back in. If your carport only consists of a roof or you have a dirt foundation, some of these steps don’t apply. For dirt and gravel foundations, check to ensure everything is still level. Frozen ground can shift when it thaws in the spring.
A quick tip, when you’re rinsing off the roof and walls check for any signs of leaks. Repairing the leaks now can prevent rust and corrosion from forming later.
Summer
There’s not a lot of maintenance to keep up with in the summer so go ahead and enjoy a little break. You should keep an eye out for pests moving into your carport. Wasps, birds, and rodents can move in and cause a lot of damage.
Netting on the inside of the roof can prevent birds from nesting in the rafters. You can also try spraying methyl anthranilate. The substance is made from grapes, and no you’re not giving birds alcohol. Instead, the substance causes a reaction in birds similar to what happens when you chop raw onions. Best of all, it’s an eco-friendly and humane option that also leaves a pleasant aroma behind in your carport.
Wasps are more than pests, the insects can be hazardous especially when they swarm. Keeping wasps out of your carport can become a full-time summer job. The flying insects can be persistent.
Keep an eye on your carport and watch for any signs of wasps. If you see one fly into the carport, follow it at a safe distance. If you notice a small nest forming, you have a couple of options. You can knock it down with a hose or broom but be ready to run.
The wasps aren’t going to be too happy you just knocked down their home. You can also grab some wasp repellent, as it may even keep the insects from returning. Another option is to call your local pest removal service.
If a critter like a squirrel or raccoon moves in, call the professionals. You don’t want to be bitten or scratched by a wild animal.
Fall
As the temperatures start cooling down, keep watching for insects and other pests to try to move in before winter hits. Sweep out any fallen leaves that blow inside. This removes bedding animals and insects may use to build their winter nests, making spring cleaning a little easier.
Watch for any signs of rust and corrosion. Falls can be damp and rainy. If you haven’t sealed your metal carport, now’s the time to grab a can of spray epoxy. Coat all of the visible metal parts. If you want to add a little more protection, pick a paint color. A layer of outdoor-rated paint over the epoxy can protect the metal from rust and give your carport a fresh new look.
Winter
There’s not a lot to do in the winter. Your vehicle is safe inside and protected from the elements. Don’t let the snow pile up on the carport’s roof. Even steel shingle roofs aren’t designed to hold a lot of weight.
If snow starts accumulating you want to brush it off before the weight causes the roof to buckle. Use a ladder to reach the top of the roof. Never stand on the roof of your carport, it simply can’t handle the weight.
How to Remove Rust From Metal Carports
We mentioned that an epoxy spray can help prevent rust and corrosion but what if you’re already dealing with these issues? Thankfully, removing rust from metal isn’t too difficult but you’ll need a couple of items. You’re going to need some rust remover and a scouring pad or bristle brush.
Spray the rust remover on the affected area and use the scouring pad or brush to scrub the buildup and debris away. You may need to scrub for a few minutes, especially if it’s an older stain. Once the rust is removed, buff the area with some sandpaper, and you can also use a buffing pad if there’s one in your toolbox. Rinse the area after buffing and coat it with an epoxy.
If the corrosion has created holes, you can fix them with some urethane roof cement and steel mesh. Use the two products to create alternating layers.
Keeping Your Carport Rust Free
With the right maintenance and a bit of elbow grease, you can effectively remove rust from a metal carport, restoring it to its original condition. Regular upkeep and following these same maintenance steps will also help your carport stay rust-free, extending its lifespan.
When you’re proactive about your maintenance, you can keep your carport looking great and functioning well for many years.
